The “3 to See” and Beyond

This chapter starts from what I argue is a turning point in the WNBA’s history: the 2013 draft, which included the “3 to See”—up and coming stars, Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne, and Skylar Diggins-Smith. This chapter examines how Griner, in particular, compelled the WNBA to acknowledge LGBT players and fans, as well as move away from its focus on traditionally feminine players. Drawing on my ethnographic research, as well as analysis of players’ self-presentation, this chapter tracks the rocky process of the WNBA as it moved towards embracing alternative conceptions of female athleticism. The WNBA has provided space for female masculinity, while simultaneously, reframing what it means to be feminine, destabilising the link between femininity and heterosexuality, while associating femininity with humour in interesting and transgressive ways. Drawing on femininity studies, I contend that we can remove the idea that femininity is inherently problematic in its artifice, and rather look at the specific factors that compel players to present in certain ways while recognising that femininity does not preclude feminism. Furthermore, I use New Materialism to suggest that feminine signifiers can have material and practical effects. I argue that the progress the WNBA has made on these issues is a result of the players’ willingness to continue to push the league to better reflect the positionality of its playing group.